Claire

I recently cought up with an amazing friend: Claire Hillsinger. I was coming through Portland and she and her awesome BF Paul put me up for the night, had a fun and hilarious care package for me, and treated me to breakfast in the morning. I've had so many good times with Claire, and think she's just the best. One of the items in the care package was a high school photo of herself that you can get a peek of in this photo. What a gal.

Southern Oregon

This year I had the opportunity to go to Oregon and hang out with some fine ladies in a valley-ish part of Southern Oregon. Here they are cheering, in their unique ways, for a spontaneous volleyball game!

Our friends beautiful, sweet dog Asia.

One of the gals brought us her teenie "wienie" carrot from her garden.

We played some fun brain games, ate really good food, and maybe my favorite memorie from this gathering was a list of "thats what she saids" that had us constantly in stitches. I hope to make this an annual gathering of awesome friends, and hilarious memories.

Workin' at Kurly's

So this February I stopped working at the Colophon and have been pursuing my own path. Within said path includes a flexible schedule and availability for various work opportunities. Workin' at Kurly's is one of these bonuses. River has his Kurly's cart at the Bellingham Farmers Market on Saturdays, and I have had the privilege and joy (as shown in photo) of workin' there.

So thanks River, for inviting me to enhance an occasional Saturday, and for helping me continue my unique and varietous path.

Mama Lou at the State Fair

 This year I had the privilege of performing at the Washington State Fair (Puyallup) and meeting Mama Lou, American Strong Woman. Her show was full of feats of strength, and encouraging messages about doing the impossible. Here are two great quotes.

"Dare to be remarkable."

"It is my hope you will walk away with a new idea of what is possible in your life."

 Here she is busting an apple with her biceps!

Lifting 20 lbs of potatoes with her tongue!

Snapping a pencil with her butt cheeks!... a suggestion from a little kid.

 And here we are... Mama Lou emulating another quote "My confidence is bulletproof." And me... I'm pretty sure my confidence is not even waterproof, but not for long with inspiration from the American Strong Woman! And what a woman she is.

The Action Ranch

One of my favorite homes over the years of many great homes was in Bellingham... The Action Ranch on Dean Street. It was co-owned by two fabulous fellows (Lucas Hicks and Jeff Lefferts) and roomated by so many amazing people... and animals... like Rudolf! He's a 23 pound cat! And soooo hilarious to live with.

Julia Spencer (center below) is Rudolf's mom and one of the notables of the Dean house. A generous, fun lady with a strong personality and a notoriously classy dresser.  Clair Hilsinger (the one in the green wig), was another Dean street favorite. A ukulele-playing singer and all around amazing human. I lived there (in 4 out of the 5 rooms from around 2008 to 2011). This photo represents one of many incredible adventures we had together...this one ending in an epic photo-shoot of Claire and driving off with friends who casually stopped by to Toad lake for a real dip. It's photos like these that flash my life (so far) before my eyes...and how grateful I am for it all.

Steve the Pretty Good Magic

This summer I had the proud opportunity to work with a marvelous man. Steve the Pretty Good. My honor was to be his magicians' assistant.

I got to crawl in there and be slid into pieces!

 I put Steve in the wash after noticing his tie has a spot on it.

We ring him out, then he's back to "normal".

Steve lures me into the safe so he doesn't have to pay me.

 Presto! I magically take the place of Steve!

And he takes my place, and I take the loot!

 Another of Steve's assistants is Mr. Pellets.

After performing with Steve for over 4 years, this fella's a pro-fish-onal!

Some of Steve's colleagues.

 I had such a great time performing with Steve, I hope to "Doo Doo the Puyallup" again next year!

Yay!

Washington State Fair

This year I was fortunate enough to perform at the Washington State Fair!

And with none other than Steve the Pretty Good... who btw is amazing, and kind, and hilarious.

Here I am getting in the juke box, where he will separate the pieces with me inside!

I come out unharmed, and out of my work attire like magic!

I put him in a washing machine and he gets all twisted up, then back to normal.

 He lures me into the safe and locks me in.

 And then I magically appear on top of the safe!

And him inside.

It's a super fun show, and I was so stoked to be part of it. It was also fun to be a part of the fair and see other show and meet other performers, like these guys.

The dude in the middle here is Aaron, who is the big duck from above.

Two weeks at the fair (minus a few days where Steve's wife Arlene took over for me) is a long, but good time.

 I'm so thankful that I got to doo doo the Pyullup!